....did the editorial in last night's Times....


Players and Fans have Done us Proud


Cruelly, there is no trophy to show for their efforts.  But Celtic's
performance in the Stadio Olimpico last night will long be savoured as a
special moment in footballing history.  In the oppressive heat of Seville,
with the searing pressure of expectation on their shoulders, Martin O'Neill
and his boys did us proud.  Despite the taunting of questionable
gamesmanship from a less-then-sporting opposition, despite cold statistics
which cast them in the role of underdogs, Celtic's team of heroes fought on
with dignity, with spirit and with a passion that all but a few would
struggle to match.  Yet, while disappointment hangs heavily in the air
today, there is no shame in defeat for either them or their faithful legion
of fans.  Anyone who witnessed last nights 120-minute rollercoaster of
drama and emotion cannot fail to have been inspired by the commitment and
courage mustered by every player who donned the hooped shirt.  To a man
they played for the jersey - an old-fashioned concept many of the modern
game's new millionaire stars (and their supporters) simply do not understand.

And if last night's Celtic squad can be held up as models of good conduct,
so too can the 50,000 -  plus fans who made the pilgrimage to share in
their moment in the limelight.  Despite their huge numbers (and awesome
volume of alcohol sunk during colourful street fiestas) not one fan was
arrested on match day, rightly earning them praise at the highest levels as
"consummate ambassadors."  The football world is now well-used to the
humour and spirit of the seemingly indefatigable Tartan Army.  This week in
the overwhelming but good-natured invasion of Spain, the Green Division
took the reputation of Scottish fans to a new level.  Leaving the troubles
of everyday life behind, conveniently forgetting the hefty credit cards
bills that will soon follow them home they set out to party and extend the
hand of friendship to whoever they met.  From rock stars to roadsweepers,
they arrived with the confidence they could compete on an equal level with
Europe's elite.  But they did so in the spirit of friendship and warmth,
intent on savouring the experience, whatever the result at the final whistle.

Scotland has left Seville with its reputation enhanced and its head held
high.  Glorious defeat is scant consolation.  But there is so much
potential to build on the sense of pride of team and country that thousands
cannot fail to have taken from last night's experience.  Larsson, Douglas,
Thomson et al may not have their achievements engraved on Uefa silverware
today, but it is etched in the hearts of genuine football fans the world over.